Review: ‘People Will Talk’

Curt Goetz's play and film, Dr Praetorius, was used by Joseph L. Mankiewicz as the basis for his screenplay, and the script reflects his construction skill at melding drama. Serious aspects of the play, concerning a doctor who believes illness needs more than just medicinal treatment, have been brightened with considerable humor, and the camera adds enough scope to help overcome the fact that the picture's legit origin is still sometimes apparent.

Curt Goetz’s play and film, Dr Praetorius, was used by Joseph L. Mankiewicz as the basis for his screenplay, and the script reflects his construction skill at melding drama. Serious aspects of the play, concerning a doctor who believes illness needs more than just medicinal treatment, have been brightened with considerable humor, and the camera adds enough scope to help overcome the fact that the picture’s legit origin is still sometimes apparent.

Cary Grant is the doctor and Jeanne Crain the medical student who are the principals mixed up in the plot. Grant, facing charges of conduct unbecoming to his profession, finds time to become interested in Crain when she faints during a classroom lecture. He discovers she is pregnant, but when she tries to commit suicide, he proclaims the diagnosis a mistake and marries her.

Climax is hung on Grant’s trial by the college board, and its more serious touches are carefully leavened with a lightness that makes it more effective.

Grant and Crain turn in the kind of performances expected of them and their work receives top support from the other members of the largish cast.